Live Large in Small Spaces with GE’s New Micro-Kitchen Concepts

New GE micro-kitchen concepts include full suites of appliances to
address urban growth and downsizing trends

Shrinking living spaces necessitate products and services that
simplify, optimize and economize without sacrificing features,
functionality or style

GE plans to manufacture micro kitchens at its FirstBuild
microfactory by year-end

One of GE's micro kitchen concepts - dubbed the monoblock - is an integrated unit with cooking, dishwashing and refrigeration in a single standalone enclosure that would become a seamless part of the cabinetry. (Photo: GE)

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One of GE's micro kitchen concepts - dubbed the monoblock - is an integrated unit with cooking, dishwashing and refrigeration in a single standalone enclosure that would become a seamless part of the cabinetry. (Photo: GE)

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Simplifying, downsizing or the less-is-more movement—call it what you
will—has millions of Americans from Millennials to Boomers seeking
smaller living quarters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the urban
population in the U.S. grew 12 percent from 2000 to 2010, totaling 81
percent of the population.1 As cities grapple with housing
shortages, the trend toward smaller living spaces is already a reality.
Shrinking living spaces necessitate products and services that simplify,
optimize and economize. GE (NYSE:GE) Appliances’ new micro
kitchen concepts keep consumers living large in a drastically
smaller footprint.

“As we watch what’s happening in the U.S., there’s a clear trend toward
smaller, more efficient living spaces,” said Lou Lenzi, director of
industrial design for GE Appliances. “There will always be a need for
larger appliances for existing homes; however, we can’t ignore the
growing need in urban environments. GE Appliances is excited to tackle
the design challenge of creating micro-kitchen concepts that help people
maintain or enhance their lifestyle in substantially less square
footage.”

Why smaller?Many factors are playing a role in the trend
toward smaller dwellings. As the cost per square foot of real estate in
metro markets increases, some people are choosing smaller dwellings out
of necessity. In the U.S., there are 32 million one-person households as
of 2012 and that number is expected to grow.2 Also
contributing are demographic shifts, such as the aging of the U.S.
population; downsizing Baby Boomers; the changing employment picture for
Gen Y; younger people delaying home purchases preferring to rent; and
trends toward simplification and a more environmentally friendly
lifestyle.

“Boomers will have a huge impact on smaller living and it’s GE’s bet
that they won’t want to lose any of the luxury or convenience they’ve
had in their lives,” said Lenzi. “Whether they need a micro kitchen for
their downsized dwelling, vacation home, refurbished man cave or boat .
. . Boomers have always wanted the best.”

From concept to realityGE’s unique position in the
appliance industry—the first manufacturer to have its own microfactory
production facility located in Louisville, Ky., called FirstBuild—will
enable the company to quickly prototype, make and sell small batches of
the micro kitchens in late 2014.

“Through FirstBuild and its global online community, GE Appliances is
able to create, design, build and sell new innovations for your home
faster than ever before,” says Venkat Venkatakrishnan, director of R&D
for GE Appliances and mentor for FirstBuild. “We launched a micro-kitchen
challenge in May, and everyone from enthusiasts to experts can join
FirstBuild.com to contribute their ideas to make the concepts a reality.”

While the FirstBuild co-creation community will be collectively creating
the first designs, Lenzi’s industrial designers have also been imagining
concepts delivering the power of full-sized appliances in a pint-sized
package.

One concept, dubbed the monoblock, is an integrated unit with cooking,
cleaning and refrigeration in a single standalone enclosure that would
become a seamless part of the cabinetry. As designed, the consumer or
builder could preconfigure their choices and have the
custom-fabricated unit delivered to the home or job site.

The second concept is based on a counter-top-high, 24-inch-wide
modular platform. This drawer-based system allows the consumer to
choose the modules they want to have in their living space. All
traditional kitchen appliances, including a microwave oven,
conventional oven, convertible refrigerator and freezer, and
dishwasher are drawer-based. An induction or radiant glass cooktop,
downdraft ventilation system, and kitchen sink with disposal complete
the full kitchen experience. The micro-kitchen drawers feature
panelized construction providing a nearly unlimited choice of cabinet
materials and finishes, so the décor possibilities are endless.

GE AppliancesGE Appliances is at the forefront of building
innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people’s lives. GE
Appliances’ products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products,
dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems
and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that
matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE
Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.